{"id":482569,"date":"2026-01-23T11:19:44","date_gmt":"2026-01-23T16:19:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=482569"},"modified":"2026-01-23T11:19:44","modified_gmt":"2026-01-23T16:19:44","slug":"nhl-predictions-jan-23-vegas-golden-knights-vs-toronto-maple-leafs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2026\/01\/23\/nhl-predictions-jan-23-vegas-golden-knights-vs-toronto-maple-leafs\/","title":{"rendered":"NHL Predictions: Jan 23 Vegas Golden Knights vs Toronto Maple Leafs"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Welcome back to another NHL Predictions. Each day, our writers here at\u00a0<em>Last Word on Hockey<\/em> look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. Our featured game of this edition is the Vegas Golden Knights taking on the Toronto Maple Leafs. Don\u2019t forget to check out more <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/category\/nhl-predictions\/\" target=\"_self\">NHL Predictions<\/a>, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.<\/p>\n<h2>NHL Predictions<\/h2>\n<h2>Vegas Golden Knights vs Toronto Maple Leafs<\/h2>\n<h3>Head-to-Head: Golden Knights 1-0 Maple Leafs<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/full-guide-for-how-to-stream-and-watch-nhl-hockey-games\/\" target=\"_self\">How to Watch<\/a>:<\/p>\n<p><strong>US TV:<\/strong><span> Scripps Vegas<\/span>; ESPN+<\/p>\n<p><strong>Canada TV: <\/strong>Sportsnet; TVA Sports<\/p>\n<p><strong>Time:<\/strong> 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)<\/p>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.thescore.com\/nhl\/events\/31917\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">We open up<\/a> NHL predictions with our featured game between the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2026\/01\/14\/nhl-predictions-jan-14-vegas-golden-knights-vs-los-angeles-kings\/\" target=\"_self\">Vegas Golden Knights<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2026\/01\/21\/nhl-predictions-jan-21-detroit-red-wings-vs-toronto-maple-leafs\/\" target=\"_self\">Toronto Maple Leafs<\/a>. <a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/h\/hillad01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-01-23_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Adin Hill<\/a> is the expected starter for the Golden Knights but always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. The big story will be the return of <a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/marnemi01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-01-23_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mitch Marner<\/a> to Toronto after the sign and trade deal in the summer. Marner currently has 12 goals and 40 assists for 52 points so far this campaign. <a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/e\/eicheja01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-01-23_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jack Eichel<\/a> leads the team in assists (41) and points (59).<\/p>\n<p><a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/stolaan01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-01-23_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Anthony Stolarz<\/a> is the projected starter for the Maple Leafs, who are 5-2-3 in their last 10 games. Toronto is coming off an overtime loss to the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2026\/01\/18\/nhl-predictions-ottawa-senators-edition-detroit-red-wings-sunday-supper-time\/\" target=\"_self\">Detroit Red Wings<\/a> on Wednesday night. The Leafs will be under plenty of pressure to get a measure of revenge. However, Toronto comes into this game with injuries to <a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/n\/nylanwi01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-01-23_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">William Nylander<\/a> and their defence. <a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/t\/tavarjo01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-01-23_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">John Tavares<\/a> is second on the club in points with 43.<\/p>\n<p>There will be plenty of motivation with the Leafs to beat Marner. However, the Golden Knights get the last laugh.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Golden Knights win 4-2.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"BK27SJT_QfhIAIh4-Qs_MQ\" class=\"gie-single\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/2241622406\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'BK27SJT_QfhIAIh4-Qs_MQ',sig:'CMZnsudDIsOxpqyM68NaIbGWs0ax9KgyPwKA2ZuCtKY=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'2241622406',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});<\/script><script src='\/\/embed-cdn.gettyimages.com\/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async><\/script><\/p>\n<h2>St Louis Blues vs Dallas Stars<\/h2>\n<h3>Head-to-Head: Golden Knights 1-0 Maple Leafs<\/h3>\n<p>How to Watch:<\/p>\n<p><strong>US TV:<\/strong><span> Fan Duel Sports Midwest; Victory+<\/span>; ESPN+<\/p>\n<p><strong>Time:<\/strong> 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)<\/p>\n<p>Our second game of NHL predictions is a Central Division matchup between the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2026\/01\/20\/nhl-predictions-january-20-st-louis-blues-vs-winnipeg-jets\/\" target=\"_self\">St Louis Blues<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2026\/01\/20\/nhl-predictions-jan-20-boston-bruins-vs-dallas-stars\/\" target=\"_self\">Dallas Stars<\/a>. St Louis is expected to give <a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/h\/hoferjo01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-01-23_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Joel Hofer<\/a> the call in goal for this game. The Blues are 4-6 in their previous 10 games, including two consecutive losses. <a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/t\/thomaro01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-01-23_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Robert Thomas<\/a> leads the club in assists (22) and points (33).<\/p>\n<p><a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/o\/oettija01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-01-23_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jake Oettinger<\/a> is the likely starter after <a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/d\/desmica01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-01-23_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Casey DeSmith<\/a> got the nod in the 1-0 loss to the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2026\/01\/20\/nhl-predictions-ottawa-senators-columbus-blue-jackets-january-20th-matchup\/\" target=\"_self\">Columbus Blue Jackets<\/a> on Thursday. Dallas is 3-5-2 in its last 10 games, including that defeat to Columbus. <a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/r\/rantami01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-01-23_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mikko Rantanen<\/a> is first on the team in assists (44) and points (63).<\/p>\n<p>The Stars are coming off a game the night before. However, Dallas should get the victory.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Stars win 4-1.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"c0K2Mz3qQXJh_ZdlG7br6Q\" class=\"gie-single\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/2202097453\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'c0K2Mz3qQXJh_ZdlG7br6Q',sig:'BCXZkq7rI6Q1RYadxpa7u0Ex_-4Ujl_OmEV757qoI-0=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'2202097453',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});<\/script><script src='\/\/embed-cdn.gettyimages.com\/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async><\/script><\/p>\n<h2>Washington Capitals vs Calgary Flames<\/h2>\n<h3>2024-25 Season Series: Capitals 1-1 Flames<\/h3>\n<p>How to Watch:<\/p>\n<p><strong>US TV:<\/strong><span> Monumental Sports Network<\/span>; ESPN+<\/p>\n<p><strong>Canada TV:<\/strong> SN1<\/p>\n<p><strong>Time:<\/strong> 9 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)<\/p>\n<p>Our last game of NHL predictions has the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2026\/01\/21\/nhl-predictions-january-21st-washington-capitals-vancouver-canucks\/\" target=\"_self\">Washington Capital<\/a>s meeting the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2026\/01\/18\/calgary-flames-trade-defenceman-western-conference-powerhouse\/\" target=\"_self\">Calgary Flames<\/a> for the first time this season. <a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/t\/thomplo01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-01-23_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Logan Thompson<\/a> is the expected starter for the Capitals, who are 3-6-1 in their last 10 games. However, Washington has dropped its last four games in a row. <a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/o\/ovechal01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-01-23_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Alex Ovechkin<\/a> and <a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/w\/wilsoto01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-01-23_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tom Wilson<\/a> are tied for the team&#8217;s lead in points with 43.<\/p>\n<p><a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/c\/coolede01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-01-23_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Devin Cooley<\/a> is the probable starter for the Flames, who are also 3-6-1 in their last 10 games. However, Calgary has only lost its last two games in a row. <a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/k\/kadrina01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-01-23_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nazem Kadri<\/a> leads the team in assists (25) and points (34) for the Flames.<\/p>\n<p>Both teams are struggling coming into this game. However, Washington should get back on track.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Capitals win 4-2.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Prop Bets of the Night<\/h3>\n<p>We close out NHL predictions with our prop bets of the night. Let&#8217;s go back to our featured game for our preferred props. The over\/under for the Maple Leafs versus the Golden Knights is 5.5, and we like the over in this game.<\/p>\n<p>As for individual props, take Marner to score against his old team for Vegas. On the Toronto side of things, take <a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/matthau01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-01-23_hr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Auston Matthews<\/a> to get a goal.<\/p>\n<p>Main photo by: <span>\u00a0Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Please play responsibly, check for your local rules and age restrictions; some jurisdictions require ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Welcome back to another NHL Predictions. Each day, our writers here at\u00a0Last Word on Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. Our featured game of this edition is the Vegas Golden Knights taking [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2352,"featured_media":482570,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4524,4547,4548,18,807],"tags":[6015,6124,6061,6062,6019,6239],"class_list":["post-482569","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nhl-predictions","category-hockey","category-nhl","category-leafs","category-vegas-golden-knights","tag-calgary-flames-predictions","tag-dallas-stars-predictions","tag-st-louis-blues-predictions","tag-toronto-maple-leafs-predictions","tag-vegas-golden-knights-predictions","tag-washington-capitals-predictions"],"modified_by":"Dan Mount, Editor","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/482569","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2352"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=482569"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/482569\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":482571,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/482569\/revisions\/482571"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/482570"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=482569"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=482569"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=482569"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}